Brianna Madia

I’ve read several books in this genre, most recently “Between Two Kingdoms” by Suleika Jaouad, “Mothertrucker” by Amy Butcher, and “Nomadland” by Jessica Butcher. While these books differ in the details of the women and their adventures and certainly differ in the outcomes for each woman, they all represent the genre of women and their attempt to become independent, especially from men. I have very mixed feelings about “Between Two Kingdoms.” I’m drawn to adventure books and have read several cold weather adventures, a couple of dust bowls, and more than one storm at sea. And that’s why I was drawn to this book: for the adventure. Part way into the it, it was obvious that the book was probably less about one woman’s adventure and more about her desperate need to prove herself, especially as an independent woman not reliant on anyone, especially, again, men. If you look at the promotional materials for the book (including the book’s cover), you wouldn’t know that a man, namely the author’s husband Neil (in real life apparently, Keith), was part of this adventure for about 2/3 of the book. From reading reviews where readers have attended book readings, the author obviously doesn’t bring him along even though her success in the end is partly due to his input. But, that aside, the story is a good one. Many reviews mention the quality of the writing and how that might be the most laudable part of Madia’s book. I am a retired English teacher, and while I’m not an expert on the quality of memoir writing, I feel as if this book sounds in parts more like a nighttime writer’s workshop assignment than a heartfelt personal memoir. The many, many similes and metaphors, along with the rest of the imagery in the book, often feel forced to me. Without giving aways spoilers, I’ll say that one particular part of the book I thought was overly dramatic, and, just to set the record straight, I am an animal lover, especially a dog lover. So, I’m going to be in the minority among the many reviewers of this book in giving it a mere two stars, but I’m glad it has been a success for Brianna Madia.… (meer)